Holy Trinity through to NMCA Jika Shield grand final, eyeing back-to-back flags

After winning the first Jika Shield premiership in club history last season, Holy Trinity is one win away from back-to-back titles thanks to Jack Philpott’s heroics.

Holy Trinity's premiership team last season.

Holy Trinity is one game away from back-to-back NMCA Jika Shield premierships.

After winning the first top-flight flag in club history last season, the Knights are red-hot favourites after earning a week off with a thrilling three-wicket qualifying final win over minor premier Rivergum.

After falling to 7-147, chasing 192, Jack Philpott was the hero, scoring an unbeaten 50 to lift his team over the line at Kelynack Reserve.

Matthew O’Brien had earlier scored a fighting 58 from 164 balls, while Marcello Manteit impressed with bat and ball, finishing with 3-42 and 31.

Holy Trinity coach Cale Volitakis said without Philpott the club might not have been celebrating the win.

“It was fantastic, he’s a bit of an ace in the pack for us,” Volitakis said.

“He came in when the time was right and otherwise we might have been on the other side of the ledger without him.

“After a hot weekend, he came out to bat, he’s fit and skilful, and he saved our bacon I feel with a great knock in a pressure situation.

“There was a really good third-wicket partnership between Matt O’Brien and Marcello Manteit.

“Matto put in the hard-yards for well over an hour-and-a-half and was the cog in the wheel for guys after that.

“He’s experienced as and took it upon himself to steady the ship and Marcy is a bit more free-flowing batting with him.”

After winning the toss and batting, Sean Neary (42), Gary Bell (42) and skipper Matt Perri (37) guided Rivergum to 9-192 from 80 overs.

Holy Trinity was in trouble at 3-42 before O’Brien and Manteit steadied the ship with a 55-run partnership.

However, a middle-order collapse left the Knights in strife before Philpott and Ed Macciocca (eight not out) knocked off the final 47 runs needed for victory.

After winning the premiership in a one-dayer last season, Volitakis said claiming a two-day crown would show the club’s depth.

“It’s very satisfying to get there for a second time, two-day cricket this time around which is a different challenge,” he said.

“The top-placed team, going to their ground, which is tough at the best of times and in pretty oppressive conditions on both days.

“Both teams had to negotiate (the heat), let alone the contest between bat and ball.

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“You can’t say winning grand finals isn’t important, we won the one-day one last season but many of us have been brought up on two-day cricket, especially in finals.

“That’s a carrot we’re seeking … to show we’ve got both skill facets in relation to one and two-day cricket is a big motivator.”

Holy Trinity’s Third XI will go for premiership glory this weekend in the C Grade decider against Royal Park.

In Jika Shield, Rivergum will look to book a rematch with the Knights when it faces Camrea in the preliminary final.